PLANS to bring 477 new jobs and a major new rail centre to York have been approved by councillors.
Developers Network Rail submitted plans for the rail operations centre, which will oversee a number of routes, including the East Coast main line between London and Scotland, and will also include a facility for training staff on engineering and maintenance skills.
Yesterday, City of York Council’s planning committee met at Guildhall to determine whether the development would go ahead, and voted unanimously in favour of the plans.
Phil Verster, of Network Rail, said after the committee’s decision was announced: “This decision is great news for York and the railway. These operating and training facilities will allow us to deliver a modern, efficient railway while at the same time maintaining York’s position as a proud rail city. The centres will retain jobs in the city and, over time, see all of our rail operations for the LNE route consolidated on this site.
“As well as bringing future employment benefits which are vital for economic growth and prosperity in York, we hope that the location of these new facilities on the edge of the York Central development site could act as a catalyst for further investment in the area.”
Last month, Network Rail discovered the foundations of North Eastern Railway’s roundhouses dating back to 1864, while carrying out site inspections for the new centre and training base, and said they hoped the operating centre would not only continue York’s proud rail heritage but also encourage further interest and investment in the area.
The meeting heard the foundations would be reburied, but had been scanned, and would be put on display at another venue in the city at a later date.
Council leader James Alexander said: “This is the second significant planning application to be approved by the council in a matter of weeks, and is another big step forward for York.
“The city has a strong railway heritage and the new Rail Operating Centre is going to help secure existing jobs and expertise in our city, as well as generating opportunities for further growth.”
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